Spinal Cord Injury Prognosis and Treatments

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating – particularly when they result from a botched medical procedure. Most spinal cord injuries are sudden and unpredictable, and they can have an immediate and lasting impact on the victim’s life.

The treatment and rehabilitation can last a lifetime and be exorbitantly expensive. Most victims will also experience ongoing pain and suffering.

If you suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a doctor or health-care worker’s error, then you may be able to recover compensation via a medical malpractice claim. The Bowling Law Firm can evaluate your injuries and determine the best way to proceed.

A New Orleans medical malpractice attorney from our practice can help you pursue damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Call us today at (504) 586-5200 to schedule an appointment.

In the meantime, read on to learn about the prognosis and treatments for spinal cord injuries:

What Is the Prognosis for Spinal Cord Injury Victims?

There are two broad classifications of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an incomplete injury happens when there is still some communication between the brain and the spinal cord. In these cases, the victim may still have some sensory functions.

A complete spinal injury, however, is more devastating. This happens when the victim has no motor function below the level of the injury.

Most people who sustain spinal cord injuries will have lifelong medical ailments such as bladder and bowel problems, chronic pain, and an increased susceptibility to heart and lung diseases. These are often, though not always, debilitating and life-limiting.

Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, rapid care and aggressive rehabilitation are the best ways to treat a serious spinal cord or nervous system injury. With fast and appropriate treatment, there is a chance that the victim will be able to recover some bodily functions and abilities.

Many doctors choose to treat people suffering from spinal cord injuries with steroids. According to the NINDS, if doctors do this within eight hours of the injury, then it may reduce the damage to nerve cells.

Electrical nerve stimulation can also help restore some bodily functions, including those of the bladder, lungs and limbs. Not all patients are eligible to use this treatment due to the nature and severity of the spinal cord injury.

Rehabilitation is an important part of the treatment process. This may involve physical therapy, skill-building activities and counseling.

Treating a spinal cord injury can be an expensive endeavor. At the The Bowling Law Firm, we can evaluate the extent and cause of your injury and determine if you may have valid grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

A New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer can meet with you to discuss your injuries and help you file a lawsuit. Call us today at (504) 586-5200 to schedule an appointment.